The Enchanting Rhine

This riverside odyssey brings us along the ancient Rhine to picture-postcard towns, imperial cathedral cities, and famed wine country. We begin our seven-day cruise in Amsterdam, exploring its quiet canals, then head to the illustrious city of Cologne, whose cathedral is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Sailing through the legendary Rhine Gorge, with elegant castles dotting every bend in the river, we explore the wine-growing village of Rüdesheim, the quaint river town of Speyer, and medieval Strasbourg before disembarking at Basel. We end with two nights in Lucerne and two in Zürich, surrounded by Switzerland’s mountain-and-lake paradise.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
USA / Amsterdam, The Netherlands / Embark / Cologne, Germany

Fly to Amsterdam and embark on Day 2. We set out for a canal cruise of beautiful Amsterdam on Day 3, then arrive in Cologne on Day 4 for a walking tour, including the city’s fabled 13th century Gothic cathedral. As an alternative, enjoy a guided bike tour in Cologne.

Days 5-6
Rüdesheim / Speyer / Heidelberg

Our vessel sails through the Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and Lorelei Rock, with its legends of the Rhine maidens. We sample wines in Rüdesheim with a local vintner, explore Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities (or Heidelberg, with its red-walled castle), or enjoy a bike tour in Speyer.

Day 7
Strasbourg, France

On the Ill River where it flows into the Rhine, Strasbourg is gorgeous with its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges, and medieval watchtowers. We enjoy a walking tour or optional guided bicycle tour.

Day 8
Colmar

We visit medieval Colmar, set along the Alsatian Wine Route, and a local wine cellar. As an alternative, enjoy a driving tour through the Black Forest of Germany, with its lakes and charming farmhouses.

Days 9-10
Basel, Switzerland / Disembark / Lucerne

Arriving in Basel, we disembark from the ship, enjoy an exploration of the city, then transfer to Lucerne. In this medieval lakeside gem of a city, we stroll the cobbled streets amid beautiful public squares, covered bridges, and colorfully frescoed buildings. One option here is a cable car ride to the top of Mount Pilatus, with a descent by way of the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.

Days 11-13
Lucerne / Zürich

We cross tranquil Lake Lucerne and transfer to Zürich. The next day, our walking tour includes the church of St. Peter, built in the Middle Ages, and panoramic views from the tower of Fraumunster church, famed for its Chagall windows. Depart on Day 13.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary